Barbados
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Barbados
You · American passport
Usually up to 180 days
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
immigration.gov.bb · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Ask customs before you ship
There's no published rule. Ask customs before you ship.
gov.uk · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 35 days out
By air from a Category 1 country: permit, microchip, rabies 35+ days, heartworm and tick/tapeworm (dogs), endorsed certificate within 7 days, 3 days' notice. See the steps
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Barbados.
We'll email you if Barbados's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Barbados.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have your vet implant a microchip and record the number on every document.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccine (after microchip, at 3 months+)
Inactivated rabies vaccine given after the microchip, when the pet is at least 3 months old; boosters on or before expiry.
- At least 35 days after the rabies shot
35 days after primary rabies vaccine
Wait 35 days after a primary rabies vaccination before travel.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 6 months before you arrive
Barbados import permit
Apply to the Veterinary Services Department for an import permit (BDS$25), valid 6 months.
- At least 3 months before you arrive
3 months in Category 1 countries
Pet must have lived continuously for at least 3 months before entry in the exporting country or other Category 1 countries.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Heartworm antigen test (dogs over 6 months) within 30 days
Dogs over 6 months need a negative heartworm antigen (ELISA, e.g. IDEXX SNAP) test within 30 days before departure.
- Within 7 days before you arrive
Tick and tapeworm (praziquantel) treatment within 7 days (dogs)
Dogs are treated for ticks and for tapeworms with praziquantel within 7 days before leaving.
- Within 7 days before you arrive
Export health certificate within 7 days
Vet exam and Barbados export health certificate within 7 days of travel, endorsed by the official government vet (USDA APHIS for US).
- At least 3 days before you arrive
Give 3 working days' notice
Notify Veterinary Services (246-427-5492) at least 3 working days before arrival; use a customs broker.
- At the border
Animal Reception Centre check
Pets go directly to the Animal Reception Centre for veterinary and customs checks; overtime fees outside 8:15-16:30 Mon-Fri.
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Barbados
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Usually up to 180 days | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Usually up to 180 days | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 180 | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 180 | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Usually up to 180 days | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 180 | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Usually up to 180 days | immigration.gov.bb · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Barbados
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Barbados leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
